What’s Inside:

• Message from Jo Anne 
• Flu Shot Drive, Thurs. Oct. 9
• Influx of Helicopters
• Court Street Safety Redesign & Bike Lane
• Upcoming Constituent Service Events
• DEC Meeting on Gowanus: Wed. Oct. 8
• Upcoming BMT Meetings
• Ballot Proposals + Register to Vote
• Older Adult Spotlight
• Alzheimer’s Resources
• Housing Lotteries 
• Transit Updates
• Changes to the U.S. Citizenship Test
• COVID Vaccine Guidance
• Community News & Events

I am again partnering with NYU Langone Health and Senator Gounardes to provide free flu shots to the community on Thursday, October 9th, from 2:30pm - 7pm, at the Cobble Hill ED, 70 Atlantic Ave. Insurance is not required. Please make an appointment here.

We would also greatly appreciate your feedback on our Java with Jo Anne events. When is the best time for you to make it to Java? Is there a topic you would like to see covered? Please fill out this brief feedback form.

Sincerely, 

Influx of Helicopters. Like many of you, I heard the relentless helicopter noise the weekend before last, which was primarily caused by flights to the Ryder Cup Golf event in Long Island. These flights aren’t just a nuisance; they create excessive noise, are detrimental to the public’s health and our environment, pollute our air, and cater to the 1% at the expense of everyone else’s quality of life.

BLADE was operating flights to and from the Ryder Cup for $1,250 a seat. That’s unacceptable. Another company, Zip Aviation, bragged about breaking flight records: “...record-breaking helicopter operation that set a new benchmark for event airlift logistics. Over the course of the championship…Zip Aviation conducted more than 300 flights carrying over 2,000 passengers...”

I sent a letter to EDC, along with Council Member Lincoln Restler and our colleagues, and to Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT) on this issue, which you can read here. We urged the EDC and HRPT to take immediate action to ban nonessential flights from heliports in the city, commit to banning flights for special events and explore, enforce flight paths that exclusively fly over waterways, and to send us data on all of the flights from the Ryder Cup event weekend.

Consider connecting with Stop the Chop, a coalition harnessing the power of the community's collective voices to end unnecessary helicopter traffic.

Court Street Safety Redesign and Bike Lane. Last week, NYC DOT began installing a much-needed street safety redesign, including a new protected bike lane, on Court Street from Schermerhorn to Hamilton Avenue. With any new re-design, it takes time to adjust to the changes. In addition, there were issues with the rollout that DOT is addressing. The work is not yet finished and the final redesign will look different. 

DOT briefed both Community Board (CB) 6 and CB2 in June of 2025, with both of the CB transportation committees supporting the measure. Key features of the redesign on Court Street from Schermerhorn St to Hamilton Avenue are as follows: 

• Remove one traffic lane to reduce speeding.
• Add 1.3 miles of Protected Bike Lane on Court Street to provide a safe bike connection (work on the bike lane will continue this fall).
• New loading zones to support local businesses and reduce double parking. 
• New pedestrian islands, curb extensions, and daylighting features will be added throughout, enhancing safety and reducing crossing distances. 

The purpose of the redesign is to make this corridor safer for drivers, pedestrians, and bikers alike. Court Street is a Vision Zero Priority Corridor and 155 people have been injured on this portion of Court with 11 severe injuries and 2 fatalities (Hamilton Ave, 2021; Atlantic Ave, 2023) between 2020 and 2024.

I shared my concerns with DOT about the need for increased communication and engagement, and to address safety issues during the rollout. Local merchants expressed to me that they feel they weren’t consulted and have ideas for how to resolve what they believe is a problematic approach that will interfere with regular deliveries. I encouraged DOT and the Court Street merchants to discuss their concerns. There are also other issues that will be addressed as the work continues; for example, what appear to be parking spaces in crosswalks will eventually become pedestrian islands, and bollards will be added to improve visibility at intersections and loading zones will be clearly marked.   

You can learn more by viewing the DOT’s June presentation. DOT has made two updates to the project since then: DOT is no longer planning to pursue rush hour lanes at Bergen St/Congress St and Sackett St (slide 15) and instead is making adjustments to signal timing, as well as the addition of a right turn bay at Sackett St, and a left turn bay at State St. In order to reduce double parking and ensure that deliveries can still be made effectively to businesses, DOT will be installing metered commercial parking across the corridor providing dedicated curb space on every block for curb access for trucks that need to access Court Street. DOT is also updating existing regulations to provide new passenger meter areas and hours.

Direct feedback or questions to DOT: Keith Bray, [email protected], Leroy Branch, [email protected], and Emily Riquelme Beaufort, [email protected].

Upcoming Constituent Service Events. You can meet with my staff at our upcoming office hours at libraries across the district.  We can help you navigate benefits, connect with various government agencies, or help you with questions about local issues. Come by and chat with my team. 

We will be in Boerum Hill today at the Pacific Branch until 5pm.

DEC Meeting on Gowanus Soil Vapor Testing: Wednesday 10/8. Join the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the NYS Department of Health (DOH) for a community availability session on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7-9 pm, at P.S. 372—The Children’s School Gymnasium, 215 1st Street, Brooklyn. They will review the community investigation and cleanup activities at dozens of sites in NY’s Brownfield and Superfund cleanup programs. They will also discuss the heating season sampling that was already performed, as well as upcoming activities. More details here. 

Soil Vapor Intrusion (SVI) testing is a process typically performed during the heating season to ensure that no contaminated vapors are infiltrating homes and to facilitate remediation when necessary. I urge all property owners who have received a testing request from DEC to authorize the agency to do the testing. This step will contribute to a safer and cleaner community. 

I recently submitted comments to DEC, linked here, on their Draft Work Plan for the former Citizens Gas Works site. Many constituents are concerned that this site is incorrectly classified in the Brownfield Cleanup Program when it should be in the Superfund Program. We need a proper designation and enforcement of laws that consider the cleanup’s effects on our community and future generations. 

Upcoming Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) Meetings. As the BMT redevelopment plan enters its next phase, there are a few opportunities to make your voice heard. The EDC is holding two public hearings on the Draft Scope of Work (DSOW) for the project's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and accepting public comments: 

• In-person meeting on Tuesday, October 28, at 6:00pm, at the Joseph Miccio Cornerstone Community Center Gym, 110 West 9th St, Brooklyn, NY. REGISTER HERE.
• Virtual meeting on Zoom, Thursday, October 30, at 4:00pm, REGISTER HERE.
• You can also send public comments by Monday, November 10 to the Lead Agency for the Proposed Project, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce (we will share additional submission details once they are public).

Voices of the Waterfront is hosting a Zoom tutorial on October 14th to prepare for the scoping meetings. Led by expert volunteers, the session will provide step-by-step guidance on crafting and submitting your testimony statement. Your input will help inform the draft scope of work under the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR). Register here.

ICYMI, you can read my newsletter about the concerns I have with this proposal and why I ultimately voted no - and what I would have expected to be included in any sound economic proposal. 

Ballot Propositions + Register to Vote. Make sure you’re registered to vote here and make your voice heard in upcoming elections. To vote in the November 4th General Election, you must register by October 25th, 2025. You can also:

• Change your address by October 20th. 
• Request to vote early by mail or request an absentee ballot here (Oct. 25th is the last day to do this online).  

There are 6 proposals that will be on your ballot this year. Proposition 1 would change the NYS Constitution, and 2-6 relate to the New York City Charter. You can read about the propositions in The City and here on NYC Votes.

Older Adult Resources. Please view my older adult resource document, which lists organizations serving older adults, along with a description of their services and contact information. Contact us if you would like us to mail you a print-out of the resource document. If you are an older adult, a caretaker, or a neighbor in need of connections to any resources, please reach out to my office for assistance.

Resource Spotlight: NY StateWide Senior Action Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for seniors and their families across the state. Focusing on advocacy and support, StateWide has health care resources such as the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), and helplines including the Medicare, Health & Prescription Drug Coverage and the Patients’ Rights Helpline. They also work on issues such as the home-care worker shortage, funding for Medicaid, affordable housing, and quality of care in nursing homes and hospitals. Contact StateWide at 800-333-4374 or visit their website at nysenior.org.

World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. We just marked this occasion, which is a time to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. We also recognize families and caregivers who provide care, compassion, and strength every day.

I was glad to join CaringKind - The Heart of Alzheimer's Caregiving for their kick-off event, which highlighted their incredible work and their CaringKind Alzheimer’s Walk. Learn about CaringKind here. If you or your family need support, these resources are here to help: CaringKind Helpline: 646-744-2900 & Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900.

• 202 Tillary St in Downtown Brooklyn: Apply by October 10th. This new residential building offers studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedroom units. The eligible income for these units is between $32,538 and $174,960. Learn more and apply here. 
• 540 Atlantic Ave in Boerum Hill: Apply by October 21st. This new residential building offers studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. The eligible income for these units is between $122,400 and $227,500. Learn more and apply here.
• The Carroll in Carroll Gardens / Gowanus: Apply by October 28th. This new residential development is located at 33 4th Street and offers studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. The eligible income for these units is between $38,400 and $227,500. Learn more and apply here. 
• The Everly in Ft. Greene: Apply by October 28th. This new residential building is located at 180 Ashland Pl and offers studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. The eligible income for these units is between $64,766 and $227,500. Learn more and apply here. 
• Fifth Avenue Committee. FAC has launched a new housing platform on its website. You can view details for available apartments and apply using this link. They will also be hosting Affordable Housing Virtual Information Sessions about applying for affordable housing. You can sign up for the November 20th session at 6pm here. 

Transit Updates:

Joralemon Construction Updates: NYC DOT started work to repair the BQE on the bridge over Joralemon Street. Work will take place Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM, for a period of 6 months. There are traffic impacts to Furman and Joralemon Street. There will be a nighttime single lane closure on the BQE (Queens-bound). There will be a single lane closure on Furman Street during working hours. There will be a single lane and north sidewalk closure on Joralemon Street.

Construction on the Columbia Heights Bridge Over the BQE: The NYC DOT is carrying out interim deck-joint repairs on the Columbia Heights Bridge. Work continues to replace the sidewalks on both sides of the roadway. On the east side, crews removed deteriorated concrete and sections of the old sidewalk to prepare for replacement. On the west side, carpenters set up new formwork and tied reinforcing steel rebar to create a foundation for the upcoming concrete. Columbia Heights is open to traffic on weekends and during non-construction hours on weekdays from 4pm - 7pm, with access to residences, Squibb Parks, and Harry Chapin Park at all times. For more information, please contact the DOT community liaison at 347-647-0876. 

Changes to the U.S. Citizenship Test. Please be aware of the upcoming changes to the citizenship test. You may take the current test if you file Form N-400 before October 20, 2025. Those who file after this date will be interviewed under the new 2025 version of the test, which is longer, among other changes. In New York State alone, more than 800,000 legal permanent residents are eligible to naturalize, yet only a small fraction apply each year.  You can view the new One Nation, One People: USCIS Civics Test Textbook study guide here and the 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version) here. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance. The Governor extended her Executive Order to ensure all New Yorkers can receive the updated Covid vaccine without a prescription, despite federal actions restricting vaccine access. Learn more here. You can get the Covid vaccine for free with no co-pays regardless of immigration or health insurance status through NYC Health+Hospitals and other health centers; if you have insurance, your insurance will be billed. Find a local pharmacy or site near you that is administering the vaccine or call 1-844-NYC-4NYC (1-844-692-4692). Some sites are still waiting for the updated Covid vaccine, so check before you go. 

Community Events & Resources:

• Mental Health Back to School Resources. Looking for resources to support students or parents this school year? Check out the listings in our September newsletter. 
• Give your Feedback in the CB2 Survey by Oct. 14: Fill out this brief survey. Downtown Bklyn, Boerum Hill, Bklyn Heights, Fulton Ferry, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, Ft. Greene, Clinton Hill, & Bklyn Navy Yard. Every Community Board prepares an annual Community District Needs Statement to identify its top funding priorities.
• Lunch & Learn: Aging Well with Council Member Crystal Hudson. To RSVP, please call her office at 718-260-9191. 
  • Oct 17 at 12pm: Homeowner Assistance & Tenant’s Rights led by Brooklyn Neighborhood Services at Willoughby Neighborhood Senior Center (105 N Portland Ave) 
  • Oct. 24 at 12pm: Estate Planning led by VOLS at EmblemHealth Crown Heights (546 Eastern Parkway)  
• Banned Books Week with the Brooklyn Public Library: Libraries across the district are hosting creative and engaging programs for teens and families, featuring activities such as button-making, DIY crafts, karaoke, and discussions on banned books. Visit the  Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens Pop-Up, Adams Street, and Pacific Library branches to celebrate the freedom to read. Find a full list of events here. 
• Fall Fest Atlantic Terminal Mall Plaza, Sat. Oct. 11th, 11am - 2pm. The Plaza will be turned into an “urban pumpkin patch” with pumpkin decorating, haunted trucks, arts and crafts, and more! Learn more here. 
• Harvest Festival Brooklyn Bridge Park, Sat. Oct, 18th, 11am - 3pm. Celebrate the changing of the seasons with arts and crafts, live music, lawn stories, and more. Find a full list of events here. 
• Brooklyn Navy Yard Open House, Sat. Oct, 18th, 12noon - 5pm. Discover the Navy Yard’s diverse campus at their annual open house. Explore the more than 35 open studies and factories that call the Navy Yard home. Learn more here.  
• Sundays on Montague Street, Oct. 19th. Join Montague Open Streets for a day of fun! The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus will be performing at 1:00pm between Clinton and Henry Streets. More details here. 
• Testify on the NYC Dept. for the Aging’s Four-Year Plan, Tues. Oct. 28th. DFTA will be at St. Charles Jubilee Older Adult Center (55 Pierrepont) for a public hearing on their Four-Year Plan. Learn more here. 
• Upcoming Workshops with NYC Small Business Services.
• Free In-Person English Classes: The Fifth Avenue Committee is now accepting registrations for free intermediate and advanced-level English classes. Learn more and register here.  
• Free Museum Membership: New Yorkers who receive SNAP are eligible to receive a complimentary Discoverer Membership to the American Museum of Natural History. Sign up for a free membership by presenting your EBT card at the Museum Member Desk between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm.
• Blood Donations. New York Blood Center has issued an emergency plea for blood donors following a significant drop in blood donations during the summer season. Find a location here.